Training Distribution in 1500-m Speed Skating: A Case Study of an Olympic Gold Medalist.

At the Olympic level, optimally distributing training intensity is crucial for maximizing performance. PURPOSE: The authors evaluated the effect of training-intensity distribution on anaerobic power as a substitute for 1500-m speed-skating performance in the 4 y leading up to an Olympic gold medal. METHODS: During the preparation phase of the speed-skating season, anaerobic power was recorded periodically (n = 15) using the mean power (in watts) with a 30-s Wingate test. For each training session in the 4 wk prior to each Wingate test, the volume (in hours), training type (specific, simulation, nonspecific, and strength training), and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE; CR-10) were recorded. RESULTS: Compared with the 8 lowest, the 7 highest-scoring tests were preceded by a significantly (P < .01) higher volume of strength training. Furthermore, the RPE distribution of the number of nonspecific training sessions was significantly different (P < .01). Significant (P < .05) correlations highlighted that a larger nonspecific training volume in the lower intensities RPE 2 (r = .735) and 3 (r = .592) was associated positively and the medium intensities RPE 4 (r = -.750) and 5 (r = -.579) negatively with Wingate performance. CONCLUSION: For the subject, the best results were attained with a high volume of strength training and the bulk of nonspecific training at RPE 2 and 3, and specifically not at the adjoining RPE 4 and 5. These findings are surprising given the aerobic nature of training at RPE 2 and 3 and the importance of anaerobic capacity in this middle-distance event.

Wingate Test as a Strong Predictor of 1500-m Performance in Elite Speed Skaters.

Wingate test scores are strongly associated with anaerobic capacity in athletes involved in speed-endurance sports. In speed skating Wingate results are known to predict performance cross-sectionally but have not been investigated relative to their ability to predict performance longitudinally. PURPOSE: To investigate whether Wingate tests performed during summer training are predictive of 1500-m speed-skating performance the subsequent winter in elite speed skaters. METHODS: Wingate test results from the summer training periods and 1500-m performances during the subsequent winter were analyzed over a 3-y period in 5 female and 8 male elite (Olympic, World Championship, and World Cup medalists) speed skaters. Regression analyses using generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to estimate the relationship between Wingate test variables and 1500-m speed-skating performance. Wingate peak power (PP) and mean power (MP) were used to predict 1500-m time and 400-m lap times. RESULTS: Improvements of 1 W/kg on PP and MP in women predict improvements of -0.75 s and -2.05 s, respectively, on 1500-m time (World Record 110.85 s). In men, improvements in PP and MP were associated with performance improvements of -0.92 s and -2.32 s on 1500-m time per 1 W/kg (World Record 101.04 s). CONCLUSION: Wingate test results achieved during the summer training period are a good predictor of improvements in 1500-m speed-skating performance during the subsequent winter. For the smallest worthwhile improvement in 1500-m performance, a gain in PP and MP of 2.1% and 1.4% (0.38 and 0.14 W/kg) for females and 1.2% and 0.9% (0.29 and 0.12 W/kg) for males is needed.

Thirty-eight years of training distribution in Olympic speed skaters.

UNLABELLED: During the last decade discussion about training-intensity distribution has been an important issue in sports science. Training-intensity distribution has not been adequately investigated in speed skating, a unique activity requiring both high power and high endurance. PURPOSE: To quantify the training-intensity distribution and training hours of successful Olympic speed skaters over 10 Olympiads. METHODS: Olympic-medal-winning trainers/coaches and speed skaters were interviewed and their training programs were analyzed. Each program was qualified and quantified: workout type (specific and nonspecific) and training zones (zone 1 2 mMol/L lactate, zone 2 2-4 mMol/L lactate, zone 3 lactate >4 mMol/L). Net training times were calculated. RESULTS: The relation between total training hours and time (successive Olympiads) was not progressive (r = .51, P > .5). A strong positive linear relation (r = .96, P < .01) was found between training distribution in zone 1 and time. Zones 2 and 3 both showed a strong negative linear relation to time (r = -.94, P < .01; r = -.97, P < .01). No significant relation was found between speed skating hours and time (r = -.11, P > .05). This was also the case for inline skating and time (r = -.86, P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that in speed skating there was a shift toward polarized training over the last 38 y. This shift seems to be the most important factor in the development of Olympic speed skaters. Surprisingly there was no relation found between training hours, skating hours, and time.

Case report of a posterior disc displacement without and with reduction.

This article presents the case of a patient with an acute posterior disc displacement without reduction (PDDWR), whose temporomandibular joint (TMJ) showed, after physiotherapeutic manipulation, the characteristics of a posterior disc displacement with reduction (PDDR). Opto-electronic condylar movement recordings in both the PDDR state and the PDDWR state, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the TMJ in the PDDR state were carried out to document the case. The first 2 physiotherapeutic manipulations were initially successful in reducing the disc, but a few days later the joint showed a relapse to the PDDWR state. From the third manipulation on, now 12 months ago, the patient has been free of symptoms of the PDDWR state. Condylar movement traces of the joint in the PDDWR state indicated that the condyle was prevented from entering the fossa completely. The downward condylar movement deflections during the early phase of closing, recorded after the second manipulation, showed the reduction of the posteriorly displaced disc during closing. The movement recordings also showed that the PDDR could be eliminated by submaximal opening and closing movements. The MRI scans, taken after the third, successful manipulation, showed the disc to be in a normal position with respect to the condyle when the mouth was closed, and to be posteriorly displaced when the mouth was maximally opened. The case shows that manipulation techniques may successfully reverse an acute PDDWR into a PDDR. The technique of MRIs and condylar movement recordings show promise in further unraveling the morphological and clinical features of posterior disc displacements.

Is temporomandibular pain in chronic whiplash-associated disorders part of a more widespread pain syndrome?

OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorder is a controversial issue that may be influenced by the widespread pain character and psychologic distress frequently observed in patients with chronic pain. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of temporomandibular disorder pain, widespread pain, and psychologic distress in persons with chronic whiplash-associated disorder pain, using a controlled, single blind study design. The prevalence of temporomandibular disorder pain in the chronic whiplash-associated disorder pain group was compared with 2 control groups: a chronic neck pain group and a no neck pain group. METHODS: From 65 persons, a standardized oral history was taken, a physical examination of the neck and the masticatory system was performed, widespread pain was investigated by tender point palpation, and psychologic distress was measured with a questionnaire (SCL-90). Because the recognition of temporomandibular disorder pain and neck pain remains a matter of debate, 3 well-defined classification systems were used: one based on the oral history, a second on a combination of oral history and pain on active movements and palpation, and a third one based on a combination of oral history and function tests. RESULTS: Irrespective of the classification system used, the chronic whiplash-associated disorder pain group more often suffered from temporomandibular disorder pain (0.001